Georgia Fire Inspectors Association

2000 LSC, Section 12.2.3.4 "Other Exits"

The first sentence of this section could be better written (but then if we did this the whole book could get a whole lot thicker…), but until so, clarification is much needed.

By splitting the compound sentence using English grammar techniques in order to clarify the meaning, would the following two statements be true:

Each level of an assembly occupancy shall have access to the main entrance/exit of sufficient width to accommodate not less than one-half of the total occupant load served by that level.

Each level of an assembly occupancy shall be provided with additional exits of sufficient width to accommodate not less than one-half of the total occupant load served by that level.

In clarifying this, does not the second part essentially require each floor of the assembly occupancy building (other than mezzanines, etc. which have their own requirements) to have at least half of the required capacity of their means of egress of that floor be served by qualifying exits (i.e. exit stairs) located on that floor?

In clarifying this, does not the first part essentially require each floor of the assembly occupancy building (other than mezzanines, etc. which have their own requirements) to be able to have at least half of their occupant load be served by the egress capacity of the building’s main entrance?

The reply from Principal Life Safety Engineer - NFPA – Quincy, MA USA:

Yes, to all. You have to go to the third sentence of 12.2.3.3 to learn the part about each level having access of sufficient width to get ½ the occupant load back to the main entrance exit. The paragraph that you reference, 12.3.3.4, addresses the subject of then providing exits on that level for the other half of the occupant load.